The UK's most complete GLP-1 guide
Every Question Answered. Every Side Effect Explained.
- How GLP-1 medications work
- Mounjaro vs Wegovy compared
- Injection instructions
- Side effects & solutions
- What to eat on treatment
- FAQs answered
Free tracker included with every download this week
Do Statins Help with Weight Loss?
Statins are prescription medications designed to lower cholesterol, not to help with weight loss. In fact, some people taking statins may experience weight gain as a side effect. If you're looking for prescription weight management support in the UK, there are medications specifically licensed for weight loss that work through different mechanisms. This guide explains how statins affect weight and what weight management options are actually available to you.
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Calculate Your BMI Instantly
Enter your height and weight below. Supports both imperial (stone & lbs) and metric (kg). Results include NHS category, healthy weight range, and ethnicity adjustments.
What Is BMI and Why Does It Matter?
Body Mass Index (BMI) is the most widely used screening tool for assessing whether your weight falls within a healthy range. Used by the NHS, GPs, and weight management services across the UK, BMI provides a quick snapshot of your weight relative to your height. The formula is simple: your weight in kilograms divided by your height in metres squared (kg/m²).
While BMI isn't a perfect measure — it doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, or fat distribution — it remains the standard first step in identifying potential weight-related health risks including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and certain cancers.
The NHS also recommends adjusted thresholds for people of South Asian, Chinese, or Black African heritage — a BMI of 23 or above is classified as overweight, and 27.5 as obese. Our calculator includes this adjustment as a one-click toggle.
How Statins Affect Weight
Statins are not weight loss medications. They work by reducing the amount of cholesterol your liver produces, which helps lower your risk of heart disease and stroke. However, statins can sometimes lead to weight gain rather than weight loss.
- Some people experience increased appetite whilst taking statins
- Muscle pain or weakness may reduce physical activity levels
- Statins may slightly slow metabolism in some individuals
- Weight changes vary greatly — many people experience no weight change at all
If you've gained weight whilst on statins, this is a recognised side effect. Your GP can discuss whether the benefits of cholesterol management outweigh the weight changes, or whether an alternative medication might be more suitable for you.
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How It Works
Three simple steps to understand your weight and take action.
Enter your height and weight in our free calculator. Get your BMI, NHS category, healthy weight range, and ethnicity-adjusted thresholds instantly.
If your BMI suggests you're overweight or obese, explore our GLP-1 calculators to project potential weight loss on Mounjaro or Wegovy.
Use our progress tracker to log your weight weekly, visualise your journey with charts, and stay motivated — all stored privately in your browser.
Free Weight Loss Tools & Guides
Everything you need to understand your weight, explore medication options, and track your progress — completely free.
Prescription Weight Loss Options in the UK
If you need prescription weight loss medication, the UK has several options licensed specifically for weight management. These work through different mechanisms than statins — such as GLP-1 receptor agonists — and are prescribed based on your BMI and health needs.
Prescription weight loss medications are available through NHS specialist weight management services or via private prescribing following a clinical assessment. Use our free BMI calculator above to check whether you might meet the eligibility criteria (generally BMI 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions). Our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you understand potential outcomes with licensed weight loss medications.
- Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist
- Up to 22.5% body weight loss (SURMOUNT-1)
- Weekly injection, dose escalation over 20+ weeks
- Available via private prescription in the UK
- Doses: 2.5mg → 5mg → 7.5mg → 10mg → 12.5mg → 15mg
- GLP-1 receptor agonist
- Up to 15–17% body weight loss (STEP trials)
- Weekly injection, 5-step dose escalation
- NHS & private prescription available
- Doses: 0.25mg → 0.5mg → 1mg → 1.7mg → 2.4mg
Mounjaro vs Wegovy: Head-to-Head
A side-by-side comparison of the two most popular GLP-1 weight loss medications available in the UK.
| Feature | Mounjaro | Wegovy |
|---|---|---|
| Drug class | Dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist | GLP-1 agonist |
| Active ingredient | Tirzepatide | Semaglutide |
| Avg. weight loss | 15–22.5% | 12–17% |
| Key trial | SURMOUNT-1 (2022) | STEP 1 (2021) |
| Max dose | 15 mg weekly | 2.4 mg weekly |
| Escalation period | 20–32 weeks | 16–20 weeks |
| Administration | Weekly injection (pen) | Weekly injection (pen) |
| NHS availability | Private prescription only | NHS & private |
| Approx. private cost | £150–£250/month | £150–£300/month |
| Common side effects | Nausea, diarrhoea, constipation | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea |
Data sourced from SURMOUNT-1 and STEP 1 clinical trials. Costs are approximate and vary by provider. Always consult a prescriber.
Am I Eligible for Weight Loss Medication?
In the UK, eligibility for GLP-1 weight loss medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy is based on your BMI and overall health profile.
- BMI of 30 or above (obese)
- Age 18 or over
- No contraindicated conditions
- Committed to lifestyle changes
- BMI of 27 or above
- Plus type 2 diabetes
- Or high blood pressure
- Or obstructive sleep apnoea
Use our BMI calculator to check whether your BMI falls within the eligible range.
How We Built These Tools
Every calculator and guide on myweightcheck is built with accuracy and transparency in mind. Our BMI calculator uses the standard WHO formula with NHS-aligned category thresholds. Our GLP-1 projections are modelled on published clinical trial data from SURMOUNT and STEP studies.
All data stays on your device. We don't require sign-ups, and we don't store your health information on any server. Your progress tracker saves data locally in your browser using localStorage, so only you can see it.
We're based in the UK and our tools are designed specifically for UK users — supporting stone & lbs by default, referencing NHS guidelines, using NICE-approved medication data, and linking to GPhC-registered pharmacies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about BMI, weight loss medications, and our free UK tools.
Can I take statins if I want to lose weight?
Yes, you can take statins while working on weight loss. Statins and weight loss medications serve different purposes — statins manage cholesterol, whilst weight loss medications help reduce appetite. Discuss your weight management goals with your GP, as some people benefit from combining treatments.
Do statins cause weight gain in everyone?
No. Whilst some people experience weight gain on statins, many people see no change in weight at all. Side effects vary significantly between individuals. If you've gained weight, inform your GP — they can assess whether the cholesterol benefits outweigh the weight change or explore alternatives.
What's the difference between statins and weight loss injections?
Statins lower cholesterol to reduce heart disease risk. Weight loss injections (like GLP-1 medications) help reduce appetite and support weight management. They work on completely different pathways. Some people take both if they have high cholesterol and need weight management support.
Should I stop taking statins to lose weight?
No — never stop a prescribed medication without medical advice. If statins are affecting your weight, speak to your GP. They can discuss whether the cardiovascular benefits justify continuing, or explore alternative cholesterol medications that might have different side effects.
What prescription weight loss medications are available in the UK?
The UK has three main licensed weight loss medications: Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Saxenda (liraglutide). All are prescription-only and require a clinical assessment. Your GP or a private prescriber can assess whether you're eligible based on your BMI and health conditions.
Ready to take control of your weight loss journey?
Start with a free BMI check, explore your GLP-1 options, or begin tracking your progress today. No sign-up. No cost. Just results.